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BLACKPOOL GAZETTE 11H APRIL 2007
BLACKPOOL GAZETTE 10TH APRIL 2007
BLACKPOOL GAZETTE 6TH APRIL 2007
BLACKPOOL GAZETTE 30TH MARCH 2007
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Gazette letters page 4th Oct 2006
Joe in Daily Express 5/9/06 (link is to offical site)
Gazette 19th july part 1 part 2
GAZETTE LETTERS PAGE 29TH JUNE 2006
In tonights gazette 17/10/05
Fans call on the PM to honour Joe
FANS of Joe Longthorne have travelled to Downing Street as the campaign to honour
the Blackpool star gathers momentum.
Little Charlie Wetherell, Joe's youngest fan club member, delivered a 1,074-signature
petition to Prime Minister Tony Blair to highlight the singing star's endless
list of charity work.
The two-year-old is the granddaughter of campaigner Barbara Large, of Essex,
who wants to see Joe awarded with an OBE in recognition for his fund-raising
for cancer charities.
Barbara, who describes herself as Joe's number one fan for 27 years, said: "It's
about time he was given some recognition for his tireless fund-raising."
She added: "He has continued to raise money for cancer care throughout
his own illness and even from his hospital bed after his own bone marrow transplant
when he couldn't even speak."
Fans from across the Fylde coast have signed the petition and are now keeping
their fingers crossed he will be rewarded for all his work.
The entertainer is now recovering at home in Blackpool from a crucial bone marrow
transplant operation at Manchester Royal Infirmary.
Despite being struck down with a series of infections following his course of
chemotherapy Joe managed to recover enough to be allowed home. He is now undergoing
treatment at Blackpool Victoria Hospital as an out patient.
Pat Mancini, who owns The Queens Hotel on South Promenade and is a close friend
of the much-loved star, said Joe should get recognition.
She explained: "Not only should Joe be given an award for all the charity
work he has done over the years he should also be recognised for the pleasure
he has given people all over the world with his singing.
"Joe has never stopped doing both of these things despite being seriously
ill. He left thousands of pounds for the hospital at Manchester when he left
after his operation and he has raised £1million for Leeds General Infirmary,
setting up a new ward in his name, as well as raising thousands for Macmillan
nurses and Victoria Hospital. Nobody could possibly realise what he has done
because he has never shouted about it. He just quietly gets on with it, which
makes him a remarkable person."
Mrs Large, who has followed Joe across the country after first hearing him perform
at Pontins in 1983, added: "There has been a lot of people sending in recommendations
as well as this petition. We can only hope his nomination is finally recognised
and he gets what he deserves."
frances.bickerdike@blackpoolgazette.co.uk
17 October 2005
SO WHEN CAN I GET ON STAGE, ASKS JOE
ARTICLE IN BLACKPOOL GAZETTE TODAY 24/6/05
'Give our hero Joe salute he deserve'
FANS of cancer-battling singer Joe Longthorne today launched a petition to have
their hero royally honoured.
Members of the ever-popular entertainer's fan club are perplexed he has been
overlooked in both the Queen's Birthday and New Year's Honours lists –
despite them nominating him three times.
The die-hard supporters have now set up the petition which they say they will
hand directly to Tony Blair at No 10 Downing Street.
They believe the singer's much-publicised charity work alone is deserving of
recognition.
Fan Barbara Large, 56, said: "We have been nominating Joe to be on the
honours list for two years but have got nowhere. It's now got to the stage where
we have to take it further. In my opinion, I think he is the greatest talent
this country has ever produced and while many other entertainers are being honoured,
why is Joe constantly overlooked? We have already got 200 signatures on the
petition and we want as many as possible before we take it to Downing Street.
He deserves a knighthood but we would be happy if he gets an OBE, just as long
as he is honoured."
Joe is due undergo a bone marrow transplant in Manchester on Wednesday after
cancelling a planned a summer season at the Pleasure Beach Paradise Rooms.
Fans of Joe – who is currently in remission from lymphatic cancer –
launched an international appeal for a suitable donor and it is believed the
match is a German national.
Mrs Large, a foster carer from Barking, in Essex, said: "He is loved by
so many people and his talent is enormous. He is so down-to-earth and approachable
and his fans appreciate that. We think it's about time the powers that be recognise
Joe.
"I saw him 32 times last year at Blackpool Opera House and around the country.
We hope to send a delegation to London in October, so there is plenty of time
to add names to the petition."
Joe Longthorne's close friend Tony Jo backed the OBE call.
He said: "Joe has raised millions for charity over the last 30 years. He
is tireless in his efforts for a good cause. If anyone deserves to be honoured
it's him."
* Fans can sign an online petition by logging on to www.joefanatics.com or write
to the fan club at JLFC, Po Box 51, Ammanford, SA18 2WZ.
andy.sykes@blackpoolgazette.co.uk
24 June 2005
Birthday bash photos in gazette 11/6/05
SHOWSTOPPER JOE'S BIRTHDAY GIFT FOR FANS
FABULOUS NIGHT ON THE DECK WITH JOE
GAZETTE ARTICLE 6TH MAY
SUMMER SEASON CANCELLED
OUR JOE RECOVERS AFTER SET BACK
Birthday party raises tsunami cash
Award Glory for ailing entertainment
Team went round in circles for Joe's cause
Last Show
The show will go on
Please Think Again About Buying Joe's Treasures
DAILY EXPRESS SAT 21ST AUGUST
August 19th - Article in Blackpool Gazette
BONE MARROW DONORS APPEAL LAUNCHED BY JOE
Leukaemia sufferer Joe Longthorne is appealing for potential life-savers to come forward.
The Anthony Nolan Trust is holdi ng a donor recruitment clinic in Fleetwood today and the singer and comedian is hoping people will go along to find out more about bone marrow transplants. Joe was diagnosed with non-hodgkin's lymphoma 14 years ago which developed into leukaemia in May last year. The 49 year old has now been told by doctors he is likely to need a life saving bone marrow transplant soon.
His agent, Tony Jo, said Joe is more interested in getting donors for others rather than himself and that's why he supports this. There are thousand of people all over the world who are waiting for transplants and he wants to get people on the register.
The chances of him getting a donor are negligible but he wants to get a donor for someone else - that's the kind of guy he is.
On Tuesday he had to cancel his Summer Spectacular show at the Opera House due to back pain.
He was advised by his doctor to have a day's rest but he was back on stage last night.
More than 6,000 people in the U.K. have their lives shattered when diagnosed with leukaemia or other bone marrow disorders. Sufferers need a stem cell or bone marrow transplant.
The Anthony Nolan Trust searches for donor matches for patients and is desperate for people to go along to Emmanurl Church. Lofthouse way, between 3.30 pm and 8.30 pm on Thursday.
To be tested people are asked to drop in to the church for half an hour to give a blood sample. Volunteers joining the Anthony Nolan Trust register must be between 18 and 40, in good health, weigh more than eight stone and be willing to donate stem cells or bone marrow to any patient they may match, at any time.
If found to be a match, the donor can choose to donate stem cells from the bone marrow, which is taken from the hip bone under general anaesthetic, or from the blood stream - like giving blood
This article was in our Blackpool Gazette on Monday 16th August submitted by Barbara Large
SINGER JOE TO SELL OFF HIS AWARD TREASURE TROVE FOR CHARITY
Fans of summer season star Joe Longthorne are being given the chance to snap up a piece of his history.
The entertainer has put his awards up for auction on an internet site to raise money for a charity close to his heart - MacMillan Cancer Relief.
Joe is battling leukaemia and has been told that a bone marrow transplant is his only chance of survival.
But his legion of devoted fans are dostraught that the awards he has received during a lifetime in the entertainment industry may never be seen again.
They have now contacted Blackpool Council to ask them to buy the accolades and put them on public display.
They are sure that Joe doesn't want to sell the awards and is only doing so to give something back to the charity which has helped him so much.
Town Hall bosses, however, have already told them that they cannot help.
In a video message on his website Joe said "it is about time we let a few things go. We've done it in the past with suits and discs but we thought we would do it differently on Ebat. It's like giving away my life to be honest. Thanks everyone - do what you can" All money goes straight to research, every penny counts.
Barbara Large of Barking, Essex, is just one of the fans who has been in touch with the council to beg them to buy the singer's awards.
She has been a fan since 1978 when she first saw him at Pontins in Suffolk and has just returned from a week in Blackpool. In seven days she saw Joe perform his summer spectacular at the Opera House five times.
She said he is heartbroken and doesn't want to get rid of these awards but he knows the charity needs money for research.
This is his life's work so I asked the council to buy them to put on public display in Winter Gardens or North Pier. Then the public would be able to see them and they could charge a fee which could also go to charity.
If the council don't do it the fans will try and get a kitty together so we can buy them and put them on display.
He has brought so much money into Blackpool over the years and has made the town his home, he should be honoured in some way, I would like to see a plaque put up to show what he has achieved.
Among the awards up for auction are a gold disc for a summer season box office record breaker, a silver disc for his christmas album and a couple of variety club awards.
Councillor Eddie Collett, portfolio holder for tourism and regeneration said, Blackpool has been a popular entertainment resort for decades and we are extremely lucky to attract high calibre artists and entertainers to the resort some of which have taken our town to their hearts. Joe Longthorne is one of those acts, and we applaud him for the efforts he's making to raise money for charity at a time when he too is suffering from illness.
In terms of what we as a Council are doing to officially recognise Mr. Longthorne there are no plans at present. As an authority with strict obligations and public needs to meet we have to be very responsible about the way in which we spend taxpayers money, especially when you consider the funds required for vital areas such as education and social services.
I'm sure that many members of the public will appreciate and understand this. We do, however, wish Joe Longthorne and his fans all the best in their fundraising appeal.
LETTERS IN BLACKPOOL GAZETTE - 29th June 2004
I must write and tell you and your readers of a wonderful night I had.
I went to the Opera House to see the Joe Longthorne Summer Spectacular. From start to finish it was superb.
Joe himself was wonderful, his voice the best ever, his impressions wonderful. He is an inspiration to us all.
The finale was amazing with the whole cast joining Joe in singing Keep Smilimg.
The audience didn't want the night to end and whole cast took about five curtain calls.
I left the theatre with a lump in my throat, having enjoyed such a wonderful spectacular show
F.CUNNINGHAM, Tyrone Avenue, Bispham
I write as a resident of Manchester, living in the University and a frequent visitor to Blackpool.
In fact, I have attended every summer show at the Opera House since 1970.
Many of the all time greats have performed there and over the years I have seen, as many of your readers will have, some spectacular productions.
I was privileged to be invited to see the opening night of the Joe Longthorne Summer Spectacular at the Opera House.
There has been a lot of correspondence with regard to Joe and thenstate of his healthin recent months (I am an avid subscriber to the Gazette... even in Manchester) but he used every bit of his energy to give a highly polished performsnce.
I can only say that the show was, in every nway, a "spectacular"
Once they got going , the Stardust Dancers proved their worth, Keily Hampson was, as Robin Duke said in 2000, "powerful, pretty and petite" but her voice has improved dramatically over the past three years, Gary Lovini was simply outstanding... he is a virtuoso of the violin, Johnnie Casson brought the house down with his quick fire humour ... not so easy when Frank Carson and Roy Walker were watching in the audience ! and Tony Jo was an excellent compere, keeping the whole of the first half running smoothly and ensuring the audience were well llooked after. We were.
The second half was devoted to Joe and his excellent orchestra and singers, accompanied by Peter Faint.
There are many words that have been said about Joe, but the standing ovations received at the end showed that he was in complete control, he sang his heart out to a very appreciative audience and his performance was nothing less than brilliant.
The audience loved him and I am sure your readers would like to know that this show really was one of the friendliest in town. We were made to feel at home immediately.
I write as one who has enjoyed hundreds of shows over many years and this is a welcome return to the days of variety with Joe Longthorne giving, as the title of the show suggests, a spectacular performance.
Thank you for a wonderful evening. I will be seeing this show again, no doubt several times, in the near future.
I urge your readers to do the same and join in the many hundreds of loyal friends in wishing Joe an excellent season and a speedy return to good health in the near future. This is a show not to be missed.
NAME AND ADDRESS SUPPLIED
If it is superb entertainment you wqnt, look no further than the Joe Longthorne Summer Spectacular at the Opera House.
There you find 12 very talented and colourful dancers, hear the lovely singing voice of Keily Hampson, the very talented man with the "talking violin" , Gary Lovini, and that excellent comedian Johnnie Casson.
Then there is the fabulous Joe Longthorne.
He may be going through a very difficult time healthwise but it does not show in his performance. The voice is as strong and as wonderful as ever, together with the excellent singing impressions, and his cheeky boyish charm which never ceases to win me over.
Keep entertaining us as you always do Joe.
You are an inspiration to everyone.
MARJORIE BAILEY.,Knowle Avenue, Blackpool
I would just like to say I agree with Robin Duke with regards the Joe Longthorne Summer Spectacular at the Opera House.
It is superb and I urge everyone to go. Joe, even though seriously ill, is as always wonderful.
God bless Joe and well done to all concerned in the show for a great night of entertainment.
JEANETTE YARDLY, Adelaide Street, Blackpool
I would like to say a big thank you to Joe Longthorne , cast, backing group and everyone involved for a wonderful show at the Opera House.
Joe is a very brave man, his performance was first class, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Get well soon Joe
JOYCE DOWD, Tyrone Avenue, Bispham
We have been holidaying in Blackpool for the past 30 years, firstly with our young families and in recent years to see live entertainment.
Blackpool cannot be beaten for all round variety, something for everyone.
But we have to agree with S.M. Bright (July 17), Blackpool has become dirty and rundown.
It is a shame that this once lovely resort is turning into a drunken playground for stag and hen parties.
We have just returned home from seeing Joe Longthorne's Summer Spectacular which was exactly as it was described, truly wonderful from start to finish.
Joe himself was amazing. Despite being ill he still gives the same amazing performance that he has given us for years.
For anyone wanting variety entertainment as it should be, this show is a must.
F. SMITH and O. ALDER, Sunderland
RESORTS FAVOURITE DONOR APPEAL
JOE THE FIGHTER IS INSPIRATION TO US ALL
JOE SAY'S SINGING IS MY THERAPY
JOE'S FANS WILL DO ANYTHING TO HELP CHARITY
GREAT SINGER HAS PLACE IN HIS HEART FOR RESORT
STAR WITH MANY VOICES MAKE A BIG IMPRESSION
ARTICLE IN HULL DAILY MAIL 29/6/05
JOE'S FINAL HURDLE
09:30 - 29 June 2005
Hull-born entertainer Joe Longthorne will undergo a bone marrow transplant today
as he battles leukaemia.
Joe, 50, has stopped smoking as he prepares for the life-saving surgery.
HULL singing sensation Joe Longthorne has managed to stop smoking as he prepares for a bone marrow transplant today.
The international star, who is battling leukaemia, has not had a cigarette since he was admitted to Manchester Royal Infirmary last week.
Today, the 50-year-old will be taken to theatre in a bid to end his 17 years of hell after being diagnosed with cancer.
He was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in 1988.
He was given the all-clear in 1997 but, in June 2003, he revealed it had returned, mutating into an aggressive form of leukaemia.
Tour manager Jeb White said Joe was in good spirits as he prepared for the operation.
He said: "More good news is Joe has not had a cigarette for nearly a week.
"He was offered nicotine patches but elected to stop with willpower alone."
Joe was due to undergo the transplant today after a 28-year-old woman from south Wales was found to be a perfect bone marrow match.
The operations are expected to take place in different hospitals to protect the woman's identity and the healthy bone marrow will be injected into Joe in a bid to cure the cancer.
The star, who was born off Hessle Road and has gained an army of fans with his renditions of songs by Frank Sinatra and Shirley Bassey, has been given chemotherapy to remove all traces of his own bone marrow in preparation for the operation.
He has also been given high-calorie drink supplements to keep up his strength.
Although
the chemotherapy has left him tired, he managed to read hundreds of messages
sent by fans after a computer was linked up to his bedside.
ARTICLE IN HULL DAILY MAIL 28/6/05
09:30 - 28 June 2005
The parents of Hull's best-loved entertainer Joe Longthorne are praying their
son will pull through the biggest battle of his life tomorrow.
As the international star prepares to undergo a bone marrow transplant to end 17 years of cancer hell, his Catholic parents Fred and Teresa said they were relying on their faith to see them through the ordeal.
Today, the couple spoke of their confidence that Joe, 50, will soon be back performing before his legions of fans.
Mrs Longthorne, 80, speaking at their home, off Hessle Road, said: "Joe has a strong constitution and he's never stopped working.
"When he's better, he'll be ready for his fans and they'll be ready for him."
Mr Longthorne, 83, said: "We do worry, but Joe isn't the worrying type.
"He says what will be, will be, and just gets on with it."
Joe, who has been entertaining since winning a talent contest at the age of four, has been inundated with goodwill messages this week.
Family and friends were given permission to link up a laptop to his bedside at Manchester Royal Infirmary so he can read the messages. His website is also being updated regularly with details of his condition.
Mrs Longthorne said: "I can't walk down Hessle Road without someone stopping me to ask how he is. I'm always ready to talk. If it wasn't for his fans, he wouldn't be the success he is today."
Messages on Joe's website have been flooding in from across Britain and even from the other side of the world.
Elaine, from Rutherglen in Scotland, wrote: "Glad your treatment is going well, also that you are getting out for short times in the sun."
Suzie, from Southport, wrote: "Saying a little prayer for you every day as always. Stay strong Joe - there's a whole lot of love there with you from so many people."
And James Martin e-mailed from Australia to say: "G'day Joe, hope everything goes well for you."
Joe was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in 1988. He was given the all-clear in 1997 but, in June 2003, he revealed it had returned, mutating into an aggressive form of leukaemia.
He needed a bone marrow transplant and the Anthony Nolan Trust, which operates a register of donors, discovered a 28-year-old Welsh woman who was a perfect match.
Joe last performed in front of his fans on his 50th birthday at the Paradise Room, Blackpool, on May 30.
His mother travelled to his home in Blackpool before he was admitted to hospital last week for a final bout of chemotherapy to destroy any remaining traces of cancer.
Mrs Longthorne, said: "He looks well enough in himself but he doesn't like to speak about it.
"When I spoke to him by telephone three days ago he said the staff were wonderful and said even the Queen wouldn't get better treatment."
Tour manager Zeb White said the star remained in good spirits.
He said: "He's had quite a bit of chemotherapy so he's sleeping for long periods of time.
"When he's awake, he's alert, joking and laughing as normal. His spirits are high and he's well focused on the job in hand."
He said the messages of support from fans had given Joe strength.
"As always, they are there for him. We are all putting on a brave face and he has all the love and support we can give him."
After the transplant, doctors will monitor his condition constantly to ensure his body does not reject the donor bone marrow.
If
the operation is a success, it could take Joe between six and 12 months to make
a complete recovery.
WHEN WILL OUR JOE'S WORK BE HONOURED?
09:30 - 21 June 2005
Joe Longthorne has gone into hospital for chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant
on June 29.
There are no limits to this man's inner strength. He has entertained us for more than 35 years, raising money for charity even though he has been too sick to perform, selling his awards and gold discs, suits and personal belongings to raise money to fund research into cancer and make a difference to people's lives.
His fans are the crutch for him to lean on and with a strong family to support him we all wish him well.
What amazes me is that, yet again, his name has been missed off the Queen's Birthday Honours list.
His fans have nominated him for quite a few years now and still he is passed by. This can't be right.
Joe's work for charities has been tireless, with illness not getting in the way of weekly fundraisers, bucket collections and public appearances.
Maybe a special award created by the fans and sponsored by the Mail would be the right gesture to make.
Janny James
St Wilfrid's Close,
New Barnet,
Hertfordshire.
JOE
COULD NEED MORE TREATMENT
Date : 27.05.05
Joe Longthorne may need a further bout of chemotherapy before his bone marrow
transplant next month.
The singer was told the news during a medical at Manchester Royal Infirmary, but is said to have impressed doctors with his positive attitude.
Joe, who turns 50 on Tuesday, met with doctors this week and was given blood tests, chest X-rays and heart tests before a two-hour consultation with Dr Eleni Tholouli, who will be part of Joe's medical team when he has his transplant on Thursday, June 16.
It is hoped the operation will end Joe's battle with cancer, which has been plaguing him since 1988.
He was given the all-clear in 1997 but the cancer returned and mutated into an aggressive form of leukaemia.
Tour manager and close friend Zeb White said: "Dr Tholouli was very impressed with Joe's positive attitude and Joe was very relaxed with the doctor."
More details about the length of Joe's hospital stay and whether he will definitely need more chemotherapy will not be known until next week.
Joe's blood count has remained stable and he is said to be well ahead of Monday's The Big Event: Joe's 50th Birthday in the Paradise Room, Blackpool.
Mr White said: "For now we all wish Joe the strength to get through these next few weeks."
'I'LL
KEEP IN TOUCH FROM HOSPITAL BED'
Date : 09.05.05
Development Entertainer Joe Longthorne has told fans he will record messages
for them as he recovers from his forthcoming bone marrow transplant.
His operation is due to take place at Manchester Royal Infirmary on June 16.
LEUKAEMIA patient Joe Longthorne has sent a heartfelt message to fans vowing to keep in touch from his hospital bed.
The Hull singer has three performances left before his bone marrow transplant.
The operation means he might not be able to take to the stage again for a year.
But Joe, 49, has comforted fans - who he credits for giving him strength - saying he plans to record updates as he recovers from his hospital bed.
The announcement, which was recorded on his dedicated phone line, followed his first chemotherapy session last Tuesday.
And it comes ahead of his All Hands On Deck charity event at Blackpool Grand Theatre tomorrow.
On Wednesday, Joe will attend Blackpool Victoria Hospital for a lumber puncture to extract bone marrow for testing before his transplant on June 16.
Despite having to cancel his summer dates, including a show in Bridlington, Joe is upbeat.
He told fans: "I've had some nice cards, flowers and messages. I really appreciate it.
"I'm looking forward to a few things. The next thing is All Hands On Deck. I'm really going to enjoy that.
"My next few performances could be my last for up to a year, which is a bit of a shock. I'm looking forward to getting the treatment out of the way.
"The only thing is, I won't be able to see any of you."
Joe vowed to return next year with a comeback featuring a "big band" and is already booking an Australian and UK tour.
He said: "What can I say? I'll be in touch. I'm going to try to get a phone in hospital so when I'm feeling right I can talk to you."
Joe has been battling cancer since 1988. He thought he had beaten it earlier this year, but although his body is still cancer-free, doctors say the strain was so aggressive he must have a bone marrow transplant.
The Anthony Nolan Trust found a donor in South Wales and Joe now needs his operation at Manchester Royal Infirmary.
His last UK show before the operation is The Big Event: Joe's 50th birthday in the Paradise Room, Blackpool, on May 30.
He will then do a Mediterranean cruise in the first week of June.
Tour manager Zeb White said: "Joe's looking forward to seeing regular faces at his shows. It's his way of saying a temporary goodbye. He's convinced he is going to bounce back. He's full of energy."
Joe's message can be heard by calling 09065 501306. Calls cost £1 a minute.
JOE
OP MOVES FORWARD
Date : 30.04.05
Joe Longthorne will have a life-saving bone marrow operation in June.
Doctors have brought forward the operation and the star will begin chemotherapy next week ensure his body is free of cancer before the procedure.
SINGER Joe Longthorne is having his life-saving bone marrow operation brought forward in a bid to finally win his fight against cancer.
The Hessle Road-born star was due to have his operation later this year, but he will now be operated on in June.
Joe will be admitted to Manchester Royal Infirmary on June 16, after his donor asked to bring the operation forward.
The operation is expected to take place on June 29 and if successful, will end a 17-year hell during which Joe has been treated for cancer five times
He will now start chemotherapy on Tuesday, to remove all traces of cancer before the operation goes ahead.
The treatment will take place at the Blackpool Victoria Hospital, close to where Joe now lives. Another two sessions of chemotherapy, held three weeks apart, will take place before the transplant.
The star's tour manager, Zeb White, today denied reports the star's cancer had returned.
He said Joe, 49, always knew he'd need more chemotherapy before the operation.
Mr White said: "We want his fans to know the truth. Joe's cancer has categorically not returned. A bone marrow donor has been found for him and she was approached and she said yes.
"But she would prefer the operation to be sooner rather than later."
He said the donor is a 28-year-old woman from South Wales, who wants the operation bringing forward "for personal reasons".
Just three weeks ago, Joe told the Mail of his delight at being able to return to the stage after completing a gruelling 24 weeks of intensive chemotherapy.
He was not expecting to have more treatment until late this year.
The star, speaking in a message personally-delivered to fans through a dedicated telephone line, said he had been forced to cancel his summer shows so he can have the treatment.
But Joe said his 50th birthday party at the Paradise Rooms, in Blackpool, on May 30, will still go ahead. He said he was "a bit gutted" to have to undergo more chemotherapy so soon.
He said: "What can I say? It's a bit of a sad one. I have to have chemotherapy on Tuesday and more tests in a few weeks' time."
On canceling the shows, he said: "I'm a bit gutted.
"Obviously you will all get your money back. I know I have your prayers and thoughts and I do appreciate that."
In a message posted on Joe's website, Mr White said: "It has been decided to put Joe back on the chemotherapy that worked so well earlier this year.
"This course of treatment would have taken place before the operation anyway to make sure his body was cancer-free."
Joe was first diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in 1988. He was given the all-clear in 1997, but the cancer returned and mutated into leukaemia.
l.bingham@hdmp.co.uk
JOE'S
BID TO BEAT CANCER FOR GOOD
Date : 30.03.05
Singing star Joe Longthorne is to undergo a bone marrow transplant in a bid
to eradicate his cancer for good.
Doctors have found a donor match for the Hull-born singer and hope to be able to operate by the end of the year.
If the transplant goes well, it will end a 17-year hell during which Joe has been treated for cancer five times.
The 49-year-old decided to have the operation following a meeting with a hospital consultant in Manchester.
His tour manager Zeb White said: "Joe's apprehensive about the transplant because it's unchartered waters for him, but he hopes he will then be cured.
"He will then be able to live a normal life for the first time in many a year."
Joe completed a gruelling 24-week course of chemotherapy last month and his leukaemia - a cancer of the blood cells - is in remission.
Last weekend, he even returned to the stage for the first time since the treatment ended to perform three sell-out shows in Blackpool, where he now lives.
His body is free of cancer cells, but doctors at Manchester Royal Infirmary believe the disease could return if he doesn't have the bone marrow transplant.
Mr White said: "He's like the old Joe again.
"His hair is still quite short, but he's 12-and-a-half stone and has total strength and commitment.
"However, the last two times his cancer has been pushed back it has returned more aggressively. Unless he has the transplant, there's the risk it could do the same again."
The Anthony Nolan Trust found possible donors for Joe in Wales and Germany.
Yet the closest match is expected to be from an undisclosed location discovered in the past few weeks.
Doctors will run final tests over the next three months and the operation should take place before the end of the year.
Joe will then need six to 12 months to recover, but there is a risk the donated bone marrow could reject his body and the transplant could fail.
The star was first diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in 1988. He was given the all-clear in 1997 but two years ago the cancer returned in the form of leukaemia.
Joe will need more chemotherapy before the operation to ensure his body is still cancer-free.
JOE'S WINNING HIS FIGHT FOR LIFE
10:30 - 26 February 2005
Singing star Joe Longthorne is winning his battle against cancer.
The Hull-born star has been told by doctors a 24-week course of chemotherapy has eradicated his leukaemia.
Now Joe will not have to undergo a bone marrow transplant operation, as first feared, unless the disease returns.
Today, as he lined up comeback shows next month, Joe said: "I'm really delighted to find out I'm currently clear of cancer and really looking forward to getting back on stage.
"I want to repay my army of devoted fans who have overwhelmed me with all their cards and gifts over the past few months."
Joe was given the good news after an appointment with his specialist to discuss his chemotherapy treatment, although he was warned there are no guarantees it will not return.
Close friend and tour manager Zeb White, 54, said: "Joe was told his treatment has been very successful. It has worked.
"His body at the moment is cancer-free and his glands, which had been the size of duck eggs, are back to normal.
"However, it has only been two weeks since the last of his treatments so we have another check-up in three weeks which will tell us more."
Joe's sister Ann White, 53, of Hull, said: "I can't wait to give him a big hug and a kiss.
"I was nervous all day when I knew he was getting the results. I'm over the moon.''
Joe, 49, who was born in Hessle Road, was first diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in the late 1980s. In 1997 he was told he had the all-clear.
However, two years ago the cancer returned in the form of leukaemia.
Last year, he collapsed on stage and was taken to hospital in Blackpool, where he now lives, to begin his latest treatment.
He was given a cocktail of four different chemotherapy drugs, initially for 18 weeks, but increased to 24 weeks.
He has now seen his specialist Dr Paul Kelsey and been told his treatment had "pushed the cancer right back".
Mr White added: "The doctor did warn that it could come back at any time. There is no guarantee.
"But in the meantime, Joe is relieved and looking forward to getting back on stage."
Joe will be marking his comeback with shows on March 26, 27 and 28 at the Paradise Rooms in Blackpool.
j.boulton@hdmp.co.uk
NEWS ARTICLE FROM MANCHESTER EVENING NEWS
CHELLE BRIDE OF THE WEEK
DAY
HAD RING OF FUN
Date : 07.01.06
The altar is the last place anyone wants to find themselves the victim of a
practical joke.
So it is just as well our Bride of the Week, Michelle Greig, has such a great sense of humour.
Michelle, 29, married David McRobb, a 34-year-old CCTV camera operator for Grampian Police, at the Cloverleaf Hotel on October 29.
But Michelle, who works at Spar in Northfield, was in for a big surprise as she waited for the wedding ring to be placed on her finger.
"Our best man Steven took two plastic rings out of his pocket and held them out" she said, laughing.
"The look on David's face was classic, but Steven kept it up, claiming that these were the rings David had given him the night before!"
Luckily for the Rosehill couple, Steven magically found the right rings, and the wedding went ahead as planned.
And the good-humoured newlyweds could not possibly hold a grudge, as he is the one who introduced them in the first place!
Michelle kicks off our new Bride of the Year competition for 2006.
She first met David four years ago on a night out at Cafe Bardot.
Michelle said: "Steven was an old school friend of mine and David knew him from work, so we all ended up on the same night out together.
"We got chatting to each other and discovered that we had similar tastes in music and television programmes.
"He was a little bit shy, but he asked me out on a date that night, and we went out the following week."
A whirlwind romance followed, with David proposing just nine months later.
He came to pick Michelle up from Mastrick Parish Church where she runs the Brownies, but instead of taking her home, he popped the question.
"I said yes straight away," said Michelle.
The pair moved in together six months later, and after a year their beautiful baby daughter Bailley came along.
On their wedding day Michelle sparkled in an ivory dress decorated with pearls, while Bailley looked cute in one of matching ivory and gold.
"We had thought about letting Bailley carry the rings for us" said Michelle.
"But in the end we decided to give them to Steven as we thought they'd be safer with him!"
